'''Dáin II''' or '''Dáin Ironfoot''' ([[Third Age]] 2767 – 3019, aged 252 years) was the son of Náin and grandson of [[Grór]], the youngest son of King [[Dáin I]] of [[Durin's folk]], and was [[Lord of the Iron Hills | Lord]] of the [[Dwarves of the Iron Hills]] in [[Wilderland]].

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| death=[[17 March]] {{TA|3019}}

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| parentage=[[Náin (son of Grór)|Náin]]

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| children=[[Thorin Stonehelm]]

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| gender=Male

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{{Pronounce|Dain.mp3|Ardamir}}

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'''Dáin II''' or '''Dáin Ironfoot''' ([[Third Age]] 2767 – 3019, aged 252 years) was the [[Lord of the Iron Hills]] and [[King under the Mountain]]. In his life, he fought in the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]], the [[Battle of Five Armies]] and the [[Battle of Dale]]. He was renowned as a warrior across Middle-earth.<ref name="Erebor">{{UT|Erebor}}</ref>

==History==

==History==

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=== War of the Dwarves and Orcs ===

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===Early Life===

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Dáin was born in {{TA|2767}} in the [[Iron Hills]], the son of [[Náin]], during the reign of his grandfather [[Grór]].<ref name="Durin">{{App|Durin}}</ref>

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Dáin fought in the [[War of the Dwarves and Orcs]], but his only recorded deeds are at the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]].

During the stalemate of the battle, Náin, along with Dáin lead fresh reinforcements into the fray and drove their way through the Orcs to the very threshold of Moria. There Náin and the Orc chief [[Azog]] dueled until, Náin's was tripped and his neck broken by Azog. When the Orc chieftain saw his army routed and his guards dead, he ran back up the steps to the gate, but he was followed by Dáin who with his Red axe, hewed off his head before the doors of the East-Gate. He was a very young Dwarf at thirty-two at the time, and it was heralded as a magnificent feat.

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After the murder of [[Thrór]] by [[Azog]] in {{TA|2790}}, his son [[Thráin II]] swore revenge. He summoned all available Dwarves, and sacked every Orc stronghold in the [[Misty Mountains]], battling his way to [[Moria]]. There, the [[Battle of Azanulbizar]] raged before the gate of the ancient Dwarf stronghold.

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After the battle King [[Thráin II]] Dáin's kinsman wanted to enter Moria as his own. But Dáin dissuaded him, because he alone looked past the gate into Moria, and had the wisdom to know that it was impossible for Durin's folk to return at that time because of [[Durin's Bane]].

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[[Náin]] and his son Dáin arrived late in the battle, but proved pivotal. Fresh and well equipped, they drove through the Orc forces, until at last Náin confronted Azog. But Náin was weary and filled with anger, and Azog strong and agile. He darted from the dwarf's blows, and when the warrior stumbled, Azog hewed and broke his neck. However, all across the valley, his troops were in retreat. He tried to escape back inside, but he was followed by Dáin who with his red axe, hewed off his head before the doors of the East-Gate. He was a very young Dwarf at thirty-two at the time, and it was heralded as a magnificent feat.

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Later his father's body was burned with the rest of the dead Dwarves on wooden pyres, and with a heavy load of weapons and armour on his back he led the remainder of his men back to the Iron Hills.

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After the battle King [[Thráin II]] wanted to enter Moria as his own. But Dáin dissuaded him, because he alone looked past the gate into Moria, and had the wisdom to know that it was impossible for Durin's folk to return at that time because of [[Durin's Bane]].<ref name="Durin"/>

Dáin returned to the Halls of Grór with his people, and with his father dead, became [[Lord of the Iron Hills]] at his grandfather's death in {{TA|2805}}. He had one son, [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin]], born in {{TA|2866}}.<ref name="Durin"/>

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Eventually he returned to the Halls of Grór with his people and sometime later became the new [[Lord of the Iron Hills]] succeeding his grandfather.

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During his reign his people became the strongest in [[Wilderland]], being the only realm capable to resist [[Sauron]] if he dared come North and retake the realm of [[Angmar]] and the northern passes of the [[Misty Mountains]].

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During his reign his people became the strongest in [[Wilderland]], being the only realm capable to resist [[Sauron]] if he dared come North and retake the realm of [[Angmar]] and the northern passes of the [[Misty Mountains]].<ref name="Erebor"/>

Nearly a hundred years later, King [[Thorin]], the son of [[Thráin II]], set out on a journey to reclaim [[Lonely Mountain|Erebor, the Lonely Mountain]], which had been usurped by the [[Dragon]] [[Smaug]].<ref>{{H|Party}}</ref>

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Nearly a hundred years later, King [[Thorin Oakenshield]] a second cousin of Dáin's, set out on a [[Quest of Erebor | journey]] to reclaim the Lonely Mountain of Erebor from Smaug the Dragon.

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The dragon was slain, though by [[Bard]] of [[Lake-town]] and not by Thorin's company. Thorin claimed the entire hoard and proclaimed himself [[King under the Mountain]], but both Bard and the Elven king [[Thranduil]] both longed for compensation of their suffering caused by the Dragon. Because his company of thirteen could not hold the mountain, Thorin sent for Dáin.<ref>{{H|Gathering}}</ref>

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After many months of adventuring Thorin with twelve other Dwarves reached the mountain When news came of the death of the Dragon Thorin claimed his treasure and proclaimed himself [[King under the Mountain]].

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Days later a host of Elves and Men came from the destroyed town of [[Esgaroth]] wanting a part of his treasure. Thorin refused to give any to them so the host besieged the mountain for many days. Thorin, with the help of the Raven [[Roac]], sent messenger birds to Dáin and elsewhere asking for aid. Dáin responded to Thorin's call and set out with more than five hundred Dwarves, and arrived just in time for the [[Battle of Five Armies]] (as recounted in ''[[The Hobbit]]'').

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Dáin responded to Thorin's call and set out with more than five hundred dwarves, well armed and experienced. They were originally intent on driving off the Elves and Men, but [[Gandalf]] arrived to inform them of the approaching Orcs and [[Wargs]]. They all united against the common enemy, and so was fought the [[Battle of Five Armies]] in the valley of Dale.<ref>{{H|Burst}}</ref>

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After Thorin's death, Dáin became [[King under the Mountain]] and King of Durin's folk. During his reign as king, he became exceedingly rich and his people were very prosperous. The town of [[Dale]] was rebuilt and it's border stretched far to the South and East and the friendship between the [[Elves of Mirkwood]], [[Men of Dale]], and [[Dwarves of Erebor]] was close, especially between the Men and Dwarves. For the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] now exceeded all their ancestors in the art of masonry and mining, and created many beautiful things in Dale.

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Thorin was killed in the battle, as were his sister-sons [[Kíli]] and [[Fíli]]. This made Dáin the next in line to become [[King under the Mountain]], and King of all of Durin's folk.<ref>{{H|Return}}</ref>

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But during the [[War of the Ring]], Dáin and his people were troubled. For some shadow of deceit had passed of his people, and some became restless and wanted to go to Moria, [[Balin]], a member of Thorin's company, and kinsman of Dáin's, being one of them.

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===King under the Mountain===

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During his reign as king, he became exceedingly rich and his people were very prosperous. The town of [[Dale]] was rebuilt and its border stretched far to the South and East and the friendship between the [[Elves of Mirkwood]], [[Men of Dale]], and [[Dwarves of Erebor]] was close, especially between the Men and Dwarves. For the [[Dwarves of Erebor]] now exceeded all their ancestors in the art of masonry and mining, and created many beautiful things in Dale.<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

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Dáin did not give his blessing when Balin set out with a group of Dwarves to retake Moria. And come to find out many years later the entire colony was destroyed.

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But not all were content. [[Balin]] set out with several others to reclaim Moria in {{TA|2989}}. Dáin did not give his blessing when Balin, but could not dissuade them.<ref name="Council">{{FR|Council}}</ref> It was only later learned the colony was destroyed after five years.<ref>{{FR|Bridge}}</ref>

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Also, from [[Mordor]] came a messenger saying that if Dáin would but give him the location of [[Bilbo Baggins]], [[Sauron]] would give him the last three [[Dwarf-rings]]. Dáin told him to give him time to think and for many weeks he pondered until he sent [[Glóin son of Gróin | Glóin]] and his son [[Gimli]] to [[Elrond]] for council, and to warn Bilbo of the enemy looking for him.

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=== The War of the Ring ===

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After many months war came to Erebor in the [[Battle of Dale]]. King [[Brand]] of Dale was at war with [[Easterlings]] along the River [[Carnen]], but they defeated him and he retreated back to Dale where he was given aid by Dáin and an army of Dwarves. After three days of fighting the Dwarves and Men were driven back, and Brand was slain. But defending his body stood Dáin, who at over 250 years old wasn't feeble, and still could wield his axe with great skill.

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But his skill was not enough and he was slain as well before the gates of Erebor. Several days later the Easterlings learned that the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] was lost and they were afraid. When the new King [[Thorin III Stonehelm]] son of Dáin, and Brand's [[Bard II]] saw this they came out of the mountain and routed their enemies never to be bothered again.

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===War of the Ring===

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In {{TA|3018}}, a messenger came from Mordor, enquiring about a creature named "[[Bilbo Baggins|Baggins]]" from "[[the Shire|Shire]]". In return for information Dáin would be given the last three [[Dwarf-rings]]. Dáin told him to give him time to think and for many weeks he pondered until he sent [[Glóin]] and his son [[Gimli]] to [[Elrond]] for council, and to warn Bilbo of the enemy looking for him.<ref name="Council"/>

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==Etymology==

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After many months war came to Erebor in the [[Battle of Dale]]. King [[Brand]] of Dale was at war with [[Easterlings]] along the River [[Carnen]], but they defeated him and he retreated back to Dale where he was given aid by Dáin and an army of Dwarves. After three days of fighting the Dwarves and Men were driven back, and Brand was slain. But defending his body stood Dáin, who at over 250 years old was not feeble, and still could wield his axe with great skill. But his skill was not enough and he was slain as well before the gates of Erebor.<ref name="Erebor"/>

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''Dáinn'' is a dwarf from the Norse mythology. The name means "Deadlike". The epithet ''Ironfoot'' is unexplained, but probably has some connection to the leg gear of the Dwarves of the Iron Hills.

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Several days later the Easterlings learned that the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] was lost and they were afraid. When the new King [[Thorin Stonehelm|Thorin III Stonehelm]], son of Dáin, and Brand's son [[Bard II]] saw this they came out of the mountain and routed their enemies.<ref name="Great">{{App|Great}}</ref>

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==Etymology and names==

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''Dáinn'' is a dwarf from the ''[[Völuspá|Dvergatal]]''. His name most likely means "Deadlike".<ref>Chester Nathan Gould, "Dwarf-Names: A Study in Old Icelandic Religion", published in ''Publications of the Modern Language Association of America'', Vol 44 (1929), issue #4, pp. 939-967</ref>

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The epithet ''Ironfoot'' remains unexplained in the published writings of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]. However, [[John D. Rateliff]] has pointed out that an explanation for the epithet is likely found in the original manuscript of ''[[The Hobbit]]'', where it is stated that the shoes of the Dwarves of the Iron Hills were of iron.<ref>{{HM|RB}}, p. 674 (note 12)</ref>

:Dáin Ironfoot will be played by [[Billy Connolly]].<ref name="BBCCasting1">{{webcite|articleurl=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16960081|articlename=Billy Connolly lands dwarf role in The Hobbit|dated=9-Feb-2012|website=BBC|accessed=9-Feb-2012}}</ref>

Náin and his son Dáin arrived late in the battle, but proved pivotal. Fresh and well equipped, they drove through the Orc forces, until at last Náin confronted Azog. But Náin was weary and filled with anger, and Azog strong and agile. He darted from the dwarf's blows, and when the warrior stumbled, Azog hewed and broke his neck. However, all across the valley, his troops were in retreat. He tried to escape back inside, but he was followed by Dáin who with his red axe, hewed off his head before the doors of the East-Gate. He was a very young Dwarf at thirty-two at the time, and it was heralded as a magnificent feat.

After the battle King Thráin II wanted to enter Moria as his own. But Dáin dissuaded him, because he alone looked past the gate into Moria, and had the wisdom to know that it was impossible for Durin's folk to return at that time because of Durin's Bane.[2]

Lord of the Iron Hills

During his reign his people became the strongest in Wilderland, being the only realm capable to resist Sauron if he dared come North and retake the realm of Angmar and the northern passes of the Misty Mountains.[1]

The Battle of Five Armies

The dragon was slain, though by Bard of Lake-town and not by Thorin's company. Thorin claimed the entire hoard and proclaimed himself King under the Mountain, but both Bard and the Elven king Thranduil both longed for compensation of their suffering caused by the Dragon. Because his company of thirteen could not hold the mountain, Thorin sent for Dáin.[4]

Dáin responded to Thorin's call and set out with more than five hundred dwarves, well armed and experienced. They were originally intent on driving off the Elves and Men, but Gandalf arrived to inform them of the approaching Orcs and Wargs. They all united against the common enemy, and so was fought the Battle of Five Armies in the valley of Dale.[5]

Thorin was killed in the battle, as were his sister-sons Kíli and Fíli. This made Dáin the next in line to become King under the Mountain, and King of all of Durin's folk.[6]

King under the Mountain

During his reign as king, he became exceedingly rich and his people were very prosperous. The town of Dale was rebuilt and its border stretched far to the South and East and the friendship between the Elves of Mirkwood, Men of Dale, and Dwarves of Erebor was close, especially between the Men and Dwarves. For the Dwarves of Erebor now exceeded all their ancestors in the art of masonry and mining, and created many beautiful things in Dale.[7]

But not all were content. Balin set out with several others to reclaim Moria in T.A.2989. Dáin did not give his blessing when Balin, but could not dissuade them.[8] It was only later learned the colony was destroyed after five years.[9]

War of the Ring

In T.A.3018, a messenger came from Mordor, enquiring about a creature named "Baggins" from "Shire". In return for information Dáin would be given the last three Dwarf-rings. Dáin told him to give him time to think and for many weeks he pondered until he sent Glóin and his son Gimli to Elrond for council, and to warn Bilbo of the enemy looking for him.[8]

After many months war came to Erebor in the Battle of Dale. King Brand of Dale was at war with Easterlings along the River Carnen, but they defeated him and he retreated back to Dale where he was given aid by Dáin and an army of Dwarves. After three days of fighting the Dwarves and Men were driven back, and Brand was slain. But defending his body stood Dáin, who at over 250 years old was not feeble, and still could wield his axe with great skill. But his skill was not enough and he was slain as well before the gates of Erebor.[1]

Etymology and names

Dáinn is a dwarf from the Dvergatal. His name most likely means "Deadlike".[11]

The epithet Ironfoot remains unexplained in the published writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. However, John D. Rateliff has pointed out that an explanation for the epithet is likely found in the original manuscript of The Hobbit, where it is stated that the shoes of the Dwarves of the Iron Hills were of iron.[12]